Episode 12: Why Do Family Gatherings Feel So Complicated?

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

This episode includes discussion of domestic violence and the loss of a parent. Please take care while listening. If these topics are sensitive or activating for you, feel free to skip this one or listen when you feel emotionally safe.

In this episode of 'Motherhood and the Messy Middle,' hosts Robin and Nicole delve into the emotional rollercoaster of family gatherings. They discuss the joy, nostalgia, and sometimes unavoidable drama that comes with extended family time, whether at barbecues, holidays, or weekends with in-laws. Robin shares her experiences from a recent family event and explores her complex family dynamics, rooted in deep losses and unique connections. Nicole reflects on her contrasting family situation and concerns about her children's experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of presence, perspective, and emotional resilience in navigating family functions, and concludes with an invitation to listeners to find comfort and solidarity within their own family experiences.